How mitochondrial DNA damage affects insulin-producing cells in diabetes
Official title: The contribution of mitochondrial DNA damage to diabetes-related beta-cell failure
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10997111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how damage to the energy-producing parts of cells might be causing problems for insulin-making cells in people with diabetes, and it hopes to find new ways to help manage the condition better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DK141236-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who are experiencing challenges with insulin production.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 1 diabetes or those without any form of diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondrial DNA damage in the failure of insulin-producing beta cells in individuals with diabetes. The project focuses on understanding how disruptions in mitochondrial function contribute to the overall decline in beta cell health and insulin production. By analyzing the mitochondrial DNA from pancreatic islets of diabetic and non-diabetic donors, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind beta cell dysfunction. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diabetes management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve beta cell function and insulin production in diabetes patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is a significant factor in diabetes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davidson, Rebecca K — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Davidson, Rebecca K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Bringing WHO HEARTS-D diabetes care into Bangladesh cities
A program to help urban clinics in Bangladesh adopt WHO HEARTS-D guidelines to improve detection, treatment, and control of type 2 diabetes.
-
AI-powered fundus imaging to screen for type 2 diabetes
A mobile AI tool uses eye images to help screen adults for type 2 diabetes in clinics or communities.
-
AI-powered eye imaging to screen for type 2 diabetes with a mobile phone
A plan to use AI on smartphone retinal images to help spot type 2 diabetes early, especially in people who may not have easy access to care.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.